At the Town of Montgomery IDA meeting of June 25, 2020 a presentation for a proposed study of the 17K corridor, initiated by Chairman Jeff Crist was given. The cost of this study is estimated to be $100,000.  Isn’t the Town of Montgomery already spending $95,000 for a comprehensive plan, already underway?

At this IDA meeting a map created by Delaware Engineering’s Mary Beth Biaconi, was used as an “illustration with a view from the outside looking in”, properties deemed to be readily available for development.  Several problems arose with this study.

First being that the map used “to illustrate” had no regard for privately owned properties whether residential or not.  Do these property owners not have rights?

Second, although Chairman Crist did say this study could be used as a tool for the comprehensive plan there were no discussions with the committee.  A vote was called for at the July 14th meeting, where it unfortunately passed.

A duplication of funds, no public input, and the study’s creator, Mary Beth Biaconi, a sitting member of the Board of Directors for Orange County Partnership, a good thing for Montgomery?  I think NOT!!

Before this vote was taken, concerns were brought up at the July 2nd Town Board meeting about this study’s content and lack of community input.  Supervisor Maher stated several times that he would “in the spirit of working together”,  reach out and speak with Chairman Crist to hold the vote.  

So what happened?

After reviewing videoed meetings, I conclude either 1 of 2 choices were made.  

Either Chairman Crist, who sits in an APPOINTED position, chose not to recognize the authority of duly ELECTED officials and disregard the Supervisor’s request.  OR

A choice was made by Supervisor Maher to not do as he publicly stated he would.  

I wonder why this as allowed to proceed and what the truth really is regarding this study.

Truth matters.